Amnesty International urges Hungary to arrest Netanyahu

London: Amnesty International has urged Hungary to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of his planned visit to the country this Wednesday, where he will be hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

This call comes after the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Orban, who is an ally of Netanyahu, has stated that Hungary will not enforce the ICC's warrant. As an EU member state, Hungary is obligated to uphold such warrants issued by the ICC, Arab News reported.

Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's head of global research, advocacy, and policy, emphasized that Netanyahu is accused of serious war crimes, including the use of starvation as a tactic of warfare, intentional attacks on civilians, and various crimes against humanity such as murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

As an ICC member, Hungary is obligated to arrest Netanyahu if he enters the country and transfer him to the Court, according to Amnesty International. The organization warned that any trip Netanyahu makes to an ICC member state without facing arrest would encourage further Israeli violations against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

According to Arab News, Amnesty International described Netanyahu's planned visit as a cynical attempt to undermine the ICC’s work, while also insulting the victims seeking justice from the Court.

The organization argued that Hungary’s invitation reflects a disregard for international law, suggesting that ICC-wanted war criminals are welcome in an EU member state.

Erika Guevara-Rosas also expressed concern, stating that Netanyahu’s visit should not become a bellwether for the future of human rights in Europe.

Amnesty International has called on European and global leaders to break their silence and inaction and demanded that Hungary arrest Netanyahu during his visit, warning that his trip would mock the suffering of Palestinian victims of Israel’s genocide in Gaza, its war crimes in other parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and its entrenched system of apartheid against all Palestinians whose rights it controls.

The organization also urged the ICC Prosecutor to investigate and pursue legal action against all of Israel's alleged crimes.

Erika Guevara-Rosas further emphasized that Hungary should act in accordance with universal jurisdiction principles, stating that influential figures like Netanyahu, who face ICC accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, must no longer enjoy the prospect of perpetual impunity.